Agility Dogs at WCPL

By BARBARA BARBIERI
At the Doggone Wild! program at the Wells County Public Library on Tuesday evening Agility Team leader Kay Weikel, five dogs and their handlers from Wabash demonstrated the dogs’ agilities. In addition Wells County Veterinarian Dr. John Huseman talked about most often asked questions about dogs and Suzanne Feeback, representing the Wells County Animal Shelter, told about how to adopt a pet and how to be a volunteer there.....(Read the rest of Barb's story in today's News-Banner.)

Video by Barb Barbieri

New computer lab at SWES

Recently at Southern Wells Elementary, a new computer lab was unveiled to students.  During the summer months, Chris Hartman and Deb Coleman put forth many hours of hard work to complete the second computer lab that SWES has available for grades K – 6.  There are 30 new computers along with several printers set up for teachers to take their students to as an extension of classroom activities.  Keyboarding techniques, computer applications and many other skills will be taught in the new lab. (Photo Provided)

B-H MSD touts benefits of eclctronic board books

Replacing thousands of printed copies each year with electronic versions that cost practically nothing, Bluffton-Harrison School Board business manager Jon bennett is using technology to save money.
His new electronic board book program is garnering interest from area schools, and he was invited to speak about the program at the Indiana Association of School Boards annual Fall Conference this week in Indianapolis.....

Southern Wells hosts astronaut visitor

NASA astronaut Kevin Ford visited Southern Wells Jr./Sr. High School on Monday to talk with students about the nature of his work and the importance of space exploration to the country. Ford, whose hometown is Montpelier, hoped to inspire students to pursue careers in science and engineering.
News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz spoke with the space traveler after the presentation...

Adopt-A-Pet

Ginger is a 4 year old German Shepherd/Collie mix. female


Thomas is a 5 month old DSH, neutered male.

*We have several fixed and de-clawed cats for adoption. Their adoption fee is only $10.00 All of them are very sweet!
Call now: 824-6063

Doggone Wild! at the library

The Wells County Public Library is going to the dogs for Doggone Wild! on Tuesday, Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. with a night packed full for dog lovers.

Dog Agility Demo – Everyone will delight in a Dog Agility Demonstration by Rascal the award-winning Chihuahua (with her owner Zayne Hunter) and Nieve the Golden Lab (owner Mindi Fisher). It’s a fun performance as tiny Rascal and long-legged Nieve race through their colorful agility course.

Vet Talk – Bring your pet questions for veterinarian Dr. John Huseman of the Bluffton Animal Clinic.

Sheltered – Suzanne Feeback will talk about what’s happening at the Wells County Animal Shelter.

This one-hour program is free. For more information, call the library at 260-824-1612 or visit online at www.wellscolibrary.org

Hoosier Highway field and combine fire on Thursday

(Photos by Nick Huffman)

Four fields aflame

Four field fires swept across Wells County Thursday afternoon, sending firefighters in every direction to keep the flames from spreading.
News-Banner reporters were on scene at every fire. News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz captured this video of the biggest fire, just off Hoosier Highway.

WCPL hosts Cat and Dog

Clifford the dog and the Cat in the Hat visited Wells County Public Library on Wednesday, and Entertainment Editor Barb Barbieri was there to capture the action.
The kids (and the grown-ups) all had a blast listening to stories from the two notorious trouble-makers.

'See You At The Pole' at Southern Wells

Wednesday morning at 7am several students, teachers, and staff from Southern Wells High School participated in the National See You At The Pole.  They then broke into prayer groups and continued praying for school and country.  It was followed by a breakfast provided by parents.
(Photos provided)

Catch that opening parade?

Crowds assembled for the 100th Bluffton Free Street Fair opening day parade endured a little rain at the start but were rewarded with nearly an hour of splendid entertainment as floats and marchers; bands and choirs walked the route through downtown Bluffton.
You can watch more video at our YouTube channel or by visiting our Bluffton Street Fair blog.

NWCS considers student safety in emergency situations

At Tuesday's meeting Northern Wells Community School board members held a lengthy discussion with local emergency services workers to determine the best practice for notifying parents in the event of a bus accident. Following last weeks minor accident involving an Ossian Elementary School bus some parents were concerned because they were not contacted until 40 minutes after the crash.
According to Ossian Police Chief Dave Rigney, that was the best the school could have done given they did not have information on all the students until then. He said there was no point contacting any parents until all the students were secure.

BHS Homecoming

(Whoops!) These are Bluffton High School cheerleaders from their homecoming game versus Garrett last week. These pictures were taken by our News-Banner Interns.

Adopt-A-Pet

Bandito is a 7 year old DMH, spayed and declawed female. Very loving! Housecat Only!


Jake is a 4 year old great Pyrenese, neutered male. Current on all vaccines. Does not get along with other male dogs!

*We have several fixed and de-clawed cats for adoption. Their adoption fee is only $10.00 All of them are very sweet!
Call now: 824-6063

Best Seats in Town 2010

These decorative benches will be placed around downtown Bluffton for the 100th Street fair. Feel free to admire the artwork and have a seat if you need a rest.

Ronald visits SWES

Ronald McDonald made a recent stop at Southern Wells Elementary School to talk with students in kindergarten thru third grade. Ronald spoke to the children about being a good friend, working together, never bullying others and staying active. The students always enjoy Ronald antics and magic tricks. Ronald also commented after the program that our children were spectacular. Thank you to McDonald’s for sponsoring Ronald’s visit. (Submitted Photo)

WCPL plays with their Wii

Wells County Public Library on Thursday opened up their toy box and let adults come play with their Wii gaming system by Nintendo. Barb Barbieri was there to shoot some video and give it a try....

Wells County United Way

Wells County United Way 2010 Campaign Kick-Off last week got the show on the road, so to speak, with an inspiring talk from Campaign Chair Tamra Boucher.

Emshwiller named 2010 Bluffton Street Fair Grand Marshal

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz sat down with Joe Emshwiller recently to talk about the good and bad that comes with being this year's Grand Marshal of the Bluffton Street Fair.

A great honor is his, grand marshal of the 100th Bluffton Street Fair. Tuesday night, Joe Emshwiller will ride in the carriage at the head of the opening night parade, applauded for his service to the community.
There will be thousands of people there, but the man in the carriage will be alone. Not lonely, with family members in the carriage and numerous friends and acquaintances outside it, but alone.
As he puts it during an interview in his office, “Frankie can’t make it.”
“Frankie” is his wife, given name Loretta, known by her nickname, a nurse by profession. She lost a long struggle with cancer on Aug. 31, just as word was circulating around the community that the lifelong Bluffton residents had been chosen for the remarkable honor....

(Read the rest of Dave's story in today's News-Banner)

Homecoming at Wells County schools

The 2010 Senior Homecoming Court at Southern Wells High School posed for a quick snapshot between classes this week. Homecoming is Friday at the school. The king and queen will crowned halftime of the Southern Wells/Fremont game.
Pictured: (Front row) Megan Bryant, Chelsea Adams, Amanda Knowles, Amber Monroe, Kelsey Samsel; (Back row) Daniel Schmidt, Andrew Huffman, Drew Runkle, Luke Roush, Colten Jones.


The 2010 Bluffton High School Senior Homecoming Court. (Front, from left) Nikki Blair, Shelby Sark, Kara Fiechter; (Back, from left) Chandler Okey, Cameron Luke Gerber and Chase Sark. The coronation ceremony will be conducted during half-time of the Tigers football game Friday night.

The Norwell High School Homecoming Court paused between classes Wednesday morning. Their coronation will be Friday during the football game New Haven. (Front row, from left) Paige Meyer, Cassie Herndon, McCormick Clouser, Rebekah Witzig and Kelsey Adams; (Back row, from left) Bobby Haddix, Eden Chaney, Adam Burniston and Robert Connett. Not pictured: Trevor Sebring.

BHS 'On the Banks of the Wabash'

Bluffton High School Marching Band students participated in the 'On the Banks of the Wabash' competition on Saturday. The fog was thick as pea soup, but the music carried. More video is posted on our YouTube channel.

2010 Ossian Days Parade

Ossian Elementary School bus crash

There was immediate report of injuries at the scene of an Ossian Elementary School bus crash in the 700 block of North Jefferson Street in Ossian this afternoon. However, all 40 students were transported to Bluffton Regional Medical Center as a precaution.

From his story in tomorrow's News-Banner:

"A busful of Ossian Elementary School students had an extra stop on their way home Monday afternoon — the emergency room of Bluffton Regional Medical Center.
Bus No. 5 of Northern Wells Community Schools was struck from behind by a small car on Jefferson Street (Ind. 1) in front of the Ossian school about 3:45 p.m. Monday. A check at the scene determined that none of the 40 students on the bus were injured, but the decision was made to bring them to BRMC as a precaution...."

National Neighborhood Day 2010

Support DARE; Win this Golf Cart

Support Wells County DARE program and you might win this golf cart.
It is a 1994 Yamaha gas golf cart. All proceeds go to Wells County DARE. Raffle will be held on Saturday, September 25th at 10:00 p.m. Do NOT need to be present to win. Tickets are $10.00 each and can be purchased from any Bluffton or Ossian Police ...officers and also that the Bluffton or Ossian Police Departments.

2010 Ossian Days Pet Parade

Smallest Pet: Abigail, cat dressed as cowgirl owned by Christine Connett


Largest Pet: JR, dog dressed as cowboy owned by Riley Lang



Honorable Mention: Diva & Duke, dressed as American Gothic picture owned by Stephanie Tucker


Best Trick: Chip, dog who danced owned by Ryan Ferguson


Best Costume: Barney, dog dressed as Dog Catcher owned by Wes & Hannah Shane

(Photos provided by Stephanie Tucker)

Adopt-A-Pets

Wyatt is a 7 month old DLH orange tabby, neutered male.


Rocky is a 2 1/2 year Boxer, Fawn/white, male

*We have several fixed and de-clawed cats for adoption. Their adoption fee is only $10.00 All of them are very sweet!
Call now: 824-6063

NMS Patriot Day luncheon

Norwell Middle School Patriot Day event honors the service of Wells County emergency personnel.




(Video by NHS Intern Taylor Goodpaster)

2010 Ossian Days Pie Auction

2010 United Way Annual Campaign

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz speaks with Tamra Boucher, 2010 United Way Campaign chairperson.

2010 Ossian Days

Zanesville Homespun Day Parade

News-Banner Editor Dave Schultz captured some great images during the 2010 Zanesville Homespun Day parade and event. Check it out: